Following criticism from several artists for not fulfilling his commitment, Ababu Namwamba, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports and the Arts, stated on December 7th that he had already disbursed the funds to the Kenya Film Commission (KFC).
The CS did not provide any explanation for the delay in paying the prize money promised to the winners of the 12th edition of the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards. He simply mentioned that he had transferred the funds to KFC.
Despite the government’s assurance of a Sh200,000 prize for all winners, they are yet to receive it.
“The prize money is safely with the Kenya Film Commission, and they have assured me that they are already releasing that money. So absolutely no need for concern,” he assured.
Confirming the receipt of the money, KFC CEO Timothy Owase stated that they indeed had the funds and would begin distributing them the following week.
This situation arose after several artists publicly criticized Namwamba and the commission for not fulfilling their promises.
Singer and actress Sanaipei Tande, in particular, called out the CS for the unpaid award money, questioning the lack of communication over the past year.
The frustration among the artists has grown as the delay persists, with many questioning why their hard-earned accolades have not been financially acknowledged.
Initially expecting at least Sh100,000 each, based on the previous Kalasha Awards, the winners were promised double the amount by Namwamba during the awards ceremony. However, the funds have yet to reach the recipients, leading to disappointment and discontent within the artistic community.
1 year later no prize money and no communication on the same from @kenyafilmcomm @KalashaKenya or @AbabuNamwamba but 167M set aside for #KNT renovations in bids to develop and nurture NEW talent! What of the existing talent? pic.twitter.com/eFk4qlQq8t
— Sanaipei Tande (@Sanaipei_Tande) December 6, 2023
